Radford plans property tax increase to fund new positions costing $72,000

The Rathdrum City Council convened on August 13, 2025, to discuss various budgetary matters, including the implications of proposed tax increases and staffing changes. The meeting focused on the financial impact of adding two new positions to the city’s workforce, which is projected to cost between $70,000 and $72,000 annually.

During the discussions, council members highlighted that even with the proposed tax increase, many residents might experience a decrease in their overall tax burden. This counterintuitive outcome was attributed to the way the budget adjustments were structured. It was noted that the increase in property taxes would amount to approximately $73,000, which translates to a minimal cost of less than $5 per resident over the course of a year.

Council members engaged in a detailed conversation about how these figures would affect individual homeowners. They estimated that if the average taxable value of homes in Rathdrum were around $400,000, the increase in property taxes would be roughly $62 per household. However, they acknowledged the variability in home values across the city, making it difficult to provide a precise estimate applicable to all residents.

The council also calculated that with a population of 12,656, the financial burden of the tax increase would average out to about $5.76 per adult in the city. This breakdown aimed to clarify the financial implications of the proposed budget changes and ensure transparency in how tax dollars would be allocated.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city council's commitment to managing budgetary needs while considering the financial impact on residents. The discussions set the stage for further deliberations on the budget and staffing as the council moves forward in its planning for the upcoming fiscal year.